The Roles of Lipids in the Most Recent History of Cancer Prevention

DSM Nutritional Products
October 25, 2017

The prevalence of cancer continues to grow, accounting for nearly
one in six global deaths. There is emerging evidence that lipids –
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in
particular – could play a role in modulating cancer risk and in
therapeutic applications.

Emerging science on lipids

Despite the significant bank of research that has been built up on
the subject of cancer pathology, mortality rates remain high. It is
estimated that worldwide 8.8 million people died from cancer in
2015.[2] Given that risk factors grow with age, this number looks set
to rise even further with the increasingly elderly population. The
disease continues to place a huge economic burden on global healthcare
systems; in 2010, the annual cost of cancer was estimated at US$1.16 trillion.

The latest scientific research shows that lipids EPA and DHA have
emerging potential alongside current treatments. In fact, studies
indicate that they could have a cytotoxic effect, while providing
simultaneous protection of healthy cells from oxidative stress-induced
apoptosis and other damage.[3] In clinical settings for cancer
patients, EPA and DHA have been reported to improve immune response,
help individuals maintain lean body mass and prevent cachexia, as well
as increase quality of life.[4],[5] Studies have also found
that EPA and DHA could improve overall survival in patients with
gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, specifically colorectal, esophageal and
pancreatic, as well as breast cancer.[6]

Reducing the risk

EPA and DHA are well known for their anti-inflammatory activity
across a number of pathways and recent research has also shown that
the ingredients could help to shape biological membranes to reduce the
risk of cancer.[7]

For example, a study published in Gut demonstrated that EPA
has chemopreventative efficacy in patients with familial adenomatous
polyposis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial gave
patients either 2g or a placebo daily for six months, and the size and
number of polyps were recorded before and after the treatment. Those
who had received EPA had a mean 22.4% reduction in polyp number and a
29.8% decrease in the sum of polyp diameter. In comparison, the
placebo group showed a worsening in the global polyp burden over six
months. Although further studies are needed on a larger cohort, this
research highlighted the potential of EPA in suppressing polyp formation.[8]

Studies on breast cancer

Meanwhile, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in
women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in females.[9]
There remains a high mortality rate, as breast cancer pathology is
complex and strongly heterogeneric. Although significant advances have
been made in screening, diagnosis and management, survival rates
depend on availability of early detection programmes, access to
diagnostic and treatment facilities, the type of cancer and long-term
complication of treatment.

However, a number of population health and animal studies suggest
that high intake of fatty fish (a source of EPA and DHA) could lower
the risk of breast cancer. A recent meta-analysis and systemic review
of 21 prospective cohort studies reported that the risk of breast
cancer decreases by 5% for every 100mg increase intake of long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids.[10]

There is also increasing evidence to suggest EPA and DHA may improve
chemotherapy efficacy, thanks to their anti-carcinogenic properties in
mammary cancers, both in vivo and in vitro. One
particular report assessed cell growth when incubated with EPA and
DHA, either with or without chemotherapy agents, such as doxorubicin
(dox) or Herceptin. Pre-treating estrogen receptor negative cells with
DHA was found to increase the anti-cancer effects of dox.[11]

Furthering lipid research

While more studies are needed to determine the extent of the
benefits of lipids, such as EPA and DHA, in the modulation of cancer
risk, initial research looks promising. As such, there is an
opportunity to develop prevention and therapeutic strategies that
incorporate such interventions.

Future research should focus on advancing clinical studies, to
further explore how EPA and DHA could be used together with
conventional cancer treatments.

For more information on the potential oncology benefits of lipids,
watch our webinar, ‘Emerging roles of lipids in the
modulation of cancer risk and therapy’. Presented by Professor
Catherine Field and Professor Robert Chapkin, two of the world’s
leading experts in the molecular mechanisms by which lipids modulate
cancer risk and therapy, the webinar explores the current state of the
science for EPA and DHA as a bioactive.